May 16, 2012

Well, Are POD Books in Bookstores...or Aren't They?! | printable version

Some POD publishers imply their books are available in all bookstores but you don't make that claim. Why?

Yes, some POD publishers use deceptive wording that make authors think their book will be stocked in all the major bookstores. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Book buyers can walk into almost any local bookstore (all the major chains), and PLACE AN ORDER for almost any book published by major POD publishers. However, bookstores don't stock the vast majority of books, even those that have been traditionally published. With more than a million books published each year, there simply isn't enough shelf space.

We hear frequent complaints from authors who have been misled by the "other guys" in this manner.

Even if you go with a POD publisher that sells authors an expensive "returns" program, it's unlikely stores will stock your book. They stock books for bestselling authors, for publishers willing to pay a premium for shelf space, and for a select (lucky) few others - the vast majority of which have been traditionally published.

Most books are sold online now, with Amazon outselling every bookstore chain each year. The easiest and most effective way to sell books is to promote them online, directly to the customer. Our book, 90 DAYS OF PROMOTING YOUR BOOK ONLINE: Your Book's Daily Marketing Plan (which is given for free to all Booklocker.com print authors), teaches authors how to do just that.

Angela Hoy is the co-owner of WritersWeekly.com and BookLocker.com. WritersWeekly.com is the free marketing ezine for writers, which features new paying markets and freelance job listings every Wednesday. According to attorney Mark Levine, author of The Fine Print, BookLocker is: "As close to perfection as you're going to find in the world of ebook and POD publishing. The ebook royalties are the highest I've ever seen, and the print royalties are better than average. BookLocker understands what new authors experience, and have put together a package that is the best in the business. You can't go wrong here. Plus, they're selective and won't publish any manuscript just because it's accompanied by a check. Also, the web site is well trafficked. If you can find a POD or epublisher with as much integrity and dedication to selling authors' books, but with lower POD publishing fees, please let me know."

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